Shape-Memory Alloy Actuated Fastener

ABSTRACT

An assembly includes a fastener deployable in a wellbore and actuated by a shape-memory alloy. The shape-memory alloy releaseably interlocks multiple components deployed in the wellbore. The physical shape of the shape-memory alloy can be selectively changed between a first shape and a second shape.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/653,931,titled “Shape-Memory Alloy Actuated Fastener” and filed Jun. 19, 2015,which is a U.S. national phase under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of InternationalPatent Application No. PCT/US2014/044832, titled “Shape-Memory AlloyActuated Fastener” and filed Jun. 30, 2014, the entirety of each whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to devices for fasteningcomponents to each other. More specifically, but not by way oflimitation, this disclosure relates to a fastener actuated by ashape-memory alloy.

BACKGROUND

One or more fasteners (e.g., latches, bolts, lugs, and clamps) canmechanically interlock two or more components of a system together.Fasteners can be releasable. That is, some fasteners can be selectivelydisengaged to free the interlocked components from one another.Typically, fasteners can be actuated (i.e., selectively engaged ordisengaged) by hand, motor, or by applying hydraulic pressure to thefastener. Actuating a fastener by hand, however, can be impractical orimpossible when the fastener is in a remote location, such as in awellbore. Actuating a fastener via a motor can be inefficient andimpractical, as motors can be large in size, expensive, prone tomechanical failures, and require significant power for operation.Further, actuating a fastener via hydraulic pressure can be too timeconsuming and uncontrollable for some applications. Accordingly, it canbe challenging to quickly, remotely, and selectively actuate a fastener.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a well system thatcan include a shape-memory alloy actuated fastener according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a well system component shownin FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a shape-memory alloy actuatedfastener in a first position according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the shape-memory alloy actuatedfastener shown in FIG. 3 in a second position according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the well system component shownin FIG. 2 in which the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener has releaseda receiving component according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a well system component with ashape-memory alloy actuated fastener according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the shape-memory alloy actuated fastenerin the well-system component of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a system with a shape-memory alloyactuated fastener according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an example of a process for using ashape-memory alloy actuated fastener according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain aspects and features of the present disclosure are directed to ashape-memory alloy actuated fastener. The shape-memory alloy actuatedfastener can be, or can be included in, a latch (e.g., a collet latch orC-latch), bolt, lug, clamp, spring, threaded connector, dog, or wire.The shape-memory alloy actuated fastener can include a shape-memoryalloy. A shape-memory alloy can include an alloy of metals with atomsthat can be arranged in two different crystal structures. Each crystalstructure can define a physical shape for the shape-memory alloy. Atcolder temperatures, the atoms can be arranged in one crystal structure,which can define one physical shape (i.e., the low-temperature shape)for the shape-memory alloy. When heated above a transition temperature,the atoms can rearrange to the other crystal structure, which can defineanother physical shape (i.e., the high-temperature shape) for theshape-memory alloy. In some embodiments, the shape-memory alloy cansubstantially revert back to its low-temperature shape when cooled backbelow the transition temperature. By heating or cooling the shape-memoryalloy, the shape-memory alloy can change between two physical shapes.Because the fastener can include the shape-memory alloy, the fastenercan change between two physical shapes upon the heating or cooling ofthe fastener.

The fastener can be configured for selectively interlocking or releasing(i.e., engaging or disengaging) multiple components. For example, insome embodiments, the fastener's low-temperature shape can be configuredto interlock multiple components. The fastener's high-temperature shapecan be configured to release the multiple components from one another.The fastener can interlock multiple components when in itslow-temperature shape. When heated above a transition temperature, thefastener can change into its high-temperature shape and release themultiple components from one another. In some embodiments, when cooledback below the transition temperature, the fastener can changesubstantially back into its low-temperature shape, which can againinterlock the multiple components. In this way, the fastener can beactuated by selectively heating or cooling the fastener. Further, insome embodiments, the fastener's high-temperature shape andlow-temperature shape can be reversed. That is, in some embodiments, thefastener's high-temperature shape can be configured to interlockmultiple components, while the fastener's low-temperature shape can beconfigured to release the multiple components from one another.

In one example, the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener can be a partof a valve deployed in a wellbore. A wellbore is a hole drilled in asubterranean formation as part of a well system (e.g., for extractingfluid or gas from the subterranean formation). The valve can control theflow of fluid or gas through the wellbore. The valve can include ashape-memory alloy actuated fastener which, when in its low-temperatureshape, can interlock multiple valve components to effectively close thevalve. When closed, the valve can prohibit fluid or gas from flowingthrough the wellbore. A temperature-control device, for example aheating blanket, can be positioned within the valve or otherwisethermally coupled to the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener. A welloperator can operate the temperature-control device, for example, bytransmitting power to the temperature-control device. Thetemperature-control device can heat the shape-memory alloy actuatedfastener above a transition temperature, which can cause theshape-memory alloy actuated fastener to change its physical shape to itshigh-temperature shape. Upon changing to its high-temperature shape, theshape-memory alloy actuated fastener can release the valve components toeffectively open the valve. When open, the valve can permit fluid or gasto flow through the well system. In some embodiments, thetemperature-control device can cool the shape-memory alloy actuatedfastener back below the transition temperature, which can cause theshape-memory alloy actuated fastener to substantially change itsphysical shape back into its low-temperature shape. In this way, thewell operator can quickly, remotely, and selectively control the valvevia the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener.

Although the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener was described in theabove example as part of a well-system component, a shape-memory alloyactuated fastener can be used in a variety of other contexts to performnumerous functions. For example, in some embodiments, a shape-memoryalloy actuated fastener can be used with, or be a part of, anautomobile, aircraft, boat, computer, appliance, furniture piece,machine, toy, sports equipment, electrical system, or other device.Further, embodiments can include multiple shape-memory alloy actuatedfasteners configured in any number of ways.

These illustrative examples are given to introduce the reader to thegeneral subject matter discussed here and are not intended to limit thescope of the disclosed concepts. The following sections describe variousadditional features and examples with reference to the drawings in whichlike numerals indicate like elements, and directional descriptions areused to describe the illustrative aspects but, like the illustrativeaspects, should not be used to limit the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a well system 100that can include a shape-memory alloy actuated fastener according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. The well system 100 includes awellbore 102. In some embodiments, the wellbore 102 can be cased andcemented, as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the wellbore 102 canbe uncased or the casing may not be cemented.

The wellbore 102 can include a tubular string 104, for example, a lowercompletion assembly. The tubular string 104 can be positioned in thelower portion 112 of the wellbore 102. Annulus 110 can be formed betweenthe tubular string 104 and the wellbore 102.

The wellbore 102 can also include a well-system component 108, forexample, an isolation barrier valve, packer, plug, sliding sleeve,running tool, setting tool latching tool, shear joint, travel joint, oranother type of valve (e.g., a safety valve, flapper valve, or ballvalve). In some embodiments, the well-system component 108 can include ashape-memory alloy actuated fastener (discussed further with respect toFIG. 2). The well-system component 108 can also include atemperature-control device (e.g., a heating device or cooling device)for actuating the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener.

The wellbore 102 can further include another tubular string 106, forexample, an upper completion assembly. The tubular string 106 can bepositioned in the upper portion 114 of the wellbore 102. Althoughdepicted in this example as connected to the well-system component 108,in some embodiments, the tubular string 106 can be disconnected from thewell-system component 108. Further, some embodiments may not include thetubular string 104 or the tubular string 106, and may include otherwell-system components.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the well-system component 108shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.In some embodiments, the well-system component 108 is, or can include, avalve, for example, an isolation barrier valve. An isolation barriervalve can isolate the lower portion of the wellbore from an upperportion of the wellbore, which can prevent or minimize fluid or gascommunication between the lower portion of the wellbore and the upperportion of the wellbore.

The well-system component 108 can include a housing 202. A tube 204 canbe disposed within the housing 202 for communicating fluid or gasthrough the well-system component 108. Further, the well-systemcomponent 108 can include a shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206,for example, the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206 depicted inFIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a shape-memory alloy actuatedfastener 206 in a first position according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In this example, the shape-memory alloy actuatedfastener 206 is a collet latch.

The shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206 can include a body 306. Insome embodiments, the body 306 can include a ring shape. In otherembodiments, the body 306 can include another shape, for example asquare, triangular, rectangular, or trapezoidal shape. In someembodiments, the body 306 can include a cavity, for example, forallowing one or more components to fit through the body 306.

An annular array of fingers 302 can extend from an end of the body 306.In this example, the annular array of fingers 302 extends from both endsof the body 306. The fingers 302 can include enlarged ends 304. In someembodiments, the enlarged ends 304 can be positioned on the ends of thefingers 302. The enlarged ends 304 can releaseably interlock with acomponent, for example, a component of a valve in a wellbore. In someembodiments, the enlarged ends 304 can include a back-angleconfiguration for interlocking with a component. That is, the enlargedends 304 can angle backwards towards the body 306 of the shape-memoryalloy actuated fastener 206. In other embodiments, the enlarged ends 304can include other configurations for interlocking with a component, forexample, a 90-degree configuration. A 90-degree configuration caninclude enlarged ends 304 that extend perpendicularly (i.e., 90 degrees)from the fingers 302.

The shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206 can include a shape-memoryalloy, which can include, for example, nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti),copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn),silicon (Si), hafnium (Hf), palladium (Pd), or gold (Au). In someembodiments, the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206 can include,for example, Ni—Ti, Ni—Al, Cu—Al—Ni, Cu—Zn—Al, Fe—Mn—Si, Fe—Ni—Co—Ti,Ni—Ti—Hf, or Ni—Ti—Pd.

In some embodiments, the entire shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206can include a shape-memory alloy. In other embodiments, one or moreparts of the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206, for example thefingers 302 and/or the enlarged ends 304, can include the shape-memoryalloy.

In some embodiments, one or more parts of the shape-memory alloyactuated fastener 206 that directly releasably couple with a componentcan include the shape-memory alloy. For example, in some embodiments,the enlarged ends 304 of the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206can include a shape-memory alloy, and can directly interlock with orrelease a component. In other embodiments, the shape-memory alloy cancause (e.g., directly or indirectly) a part of the shape-memory alloyactuated fastener 206, which may not include the shape-memory alloy, toreleaseably couple with a component. For example, the body 306 of theshape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206 can include a shape-memoryalloy. The shape-memory alloy can be configured to cause the annulararray of fingers 302 and the enlarged ends 304, which may not include ashape-memory alloy, to releaseably couple with a component. In someembodiments, the shape-memory alloy can push, pull, move, or otherwiseinteract with a part of the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206,which can cause the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206 toreleaseably interlock with a component.

Further, in some embodiments, the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener206 can include multiple shape-memory alloys. For example, in someembodiments, the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206 can includemultiple shape-memory alloys with different transition temperatures.Different components of the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206 canbe actuated at different times by applying different amounts of heat tothe shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206.

Returning to FIG. 2, the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206 caninterlock with a receiving component 208, for example, a latchcrossover. When the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206 isinterlocked with the receiving component 208, the receiving component208 can keep a closure component (e.g., a ball) in the well-systemcomponent 108 in a closed position. This can close the well-systemcomponent 108, which can, for example, prevent or minimize fluid or gascommunication through the well-system component 108.

Further, the well-system component 108 can also include a power supply214, for example, one or more C-sized batteries. Although the powersupply 214 is depicted in this example as disposed within thewell-system component 108, in other embodiments, the power supply 214can be positioned elsewhere, for example, the power supply 214 can becoupled to other well-system components or positioned aboveground.

An operator (e.g., a well operator) can control the power supply 214. Insome embodiments, an operator can control the power supply 214 via acomputing device (not shown), which can be in communication with thepower supply 214. The computing device can include a processorinterfaced with other hardware via a bus. A memory, which can includeany suitable tangible (and non-transitory) computer-readable medium suchas RAM, ROM, EEPROM, or the like, can include program components thatconfigure operation of the computing device. The computing device canalso include input/output interface components and additional storage.

Further, each of the computing device and the power supply 214 caninclude a communication device (not shown) for communicating with oneanother. In some embodiments, the communication device can include oneor more of any components that facilitate a network connection. Forexample, in some embodiments, the communication device can be wirelessand can include wireless interfaces such as IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, orradio interfaces for accessing cellular telephone networks (e.g.,transceiver/antenna for accessing a CDMA, GSM, UMTS, or other mobilecommunications network). In other embodiments, the communication devicecan be wired and can include interfaces such as Ethernet, USB, or IEEE1394.

The power supply 214 can be in communication with a temperature-controldevice 212, for example a heating blanket (e.g., a ceramic heatingblanket). The temperature-control device 212 can be coupled to or inthermal communication with the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206.In some embodiments, an area 216 surrounding the temperature-controldevice 212 can be insulated, for example, to prevent heat loss. Uponreceiving the power from the power supply 214, the temperature-controldevice 212 can heat or cool the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener206. This can cause the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206 tochange its physical shape, for example, as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the shape-memory alloy actuatedfastener shown in FIG. 3 in a second position according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, one or morefingers in the annular array of fingers 302 in the shape-memory alloyactuated fastener 206 can bend radially outward. This can increase thediameter of the annular array of fingers 302. In other embodiments, oneor more of the fingers in the annular array of fingers 302 can bendradially inward, which can decrease the diameter of the annular array offingers 302. Further, in some embodiments, the length or width of one ormore of the fingers in the annular array of fingers 302 can increase ordecrease or size.

Further, in some embodiments, the body 306 or the enlarged ends 304 canchange physical shape, for example, to enhance the decoupling orreleasing of a component. For example, in some embodiments, the enlargedends 304 can change shape from a back-angled configuration to a90-degree configuration. Any number of shape-memory alloy actuatedfastener 206 parts can change physical shape at any number of transitiontemperatures, and any configuration of physical shapes may be possible.

Returning again to FIG. 2, as noted above, upon receiving the power fromthe power supply 214, the temperature-control device 212 can cause theshape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206 to change shape (e.g., changeto its high-temperature shape). As the shape-memory alloy actuatedfastener 206 changes shape, the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206can release from the receiving component 208, for example, as shown inFIG. 5. In some embodiments, the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener206 and/or the receiving component 208 can be coated with a low frictioncoating, for example, to enhance the decoupling or releasing of theshape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206 from the receiving component208.

Upon the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 206 releasing thereceiving component 208, in some embodiments, the receiving component208 can move, for example, to a different position (e.g., to the rightas viewed in each of FIGS. 2 and 6). In some embodiments, pressure,gravity, springs, or other means can aid in the receiving component 208moving to the different position. In some embodiments, when in thedifferent position, the receiving component 208 can keep the closurecomponent in the well-system component 108 in an open position. This canallow fluid or gas communication through the well-system component 108.Unlike with traditional well-system components (e.g., a traditionalisolation barrier valve), which can rely on slow, inefficient, andunpredictable hydraulic pressure cycling for remote actuation, in someembodiments, an operator can remotely, quickly, and selectively actuatea well-system component 108 via a shape-memory alloy actuated fastener206.

In some embodiments, the well-system component 108 can includeadditional, fewer, or different components. For example, the well-systemcomponent 108 can include any number or configuration of shape-memoryalloy actuated fasteners 206, a piston, spring (e.g., a power spring),washer, O-ring, seal, hydraulic power assembly or component, screw,transducer, housing, or lock ring. Further, in some embodiments, thewell-system component 108 can include an indexing mandrel 210, which isradially positioned between the housing 202 and the tube 204. Theindexing mandrel 210 can be used for actuating a well-system component108 via hydraulic pressure cycling. In some embodiments, an operator canuse multiple actuation systems (e.g., a shape-memory alloy actuatedfastener 206 and hydraulic pressure cycling) for operating thewell-system component 108.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the well-system component 108with a shape-memory alloy actuated fastener according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, thewell-system component 108 of FIG. 6 is, or can include, a valve, forexample, an isolation barrier valve. The well-system component 108 ofFIG. 6 can also include the housing 202, the tube 204, the indexingmandrel 210, the temperature-control device 212, and the power supply214, which can be configured substantially the same of FIG. 6 asdescribed with respect to FIG. 2. Further, the well-system component 108can include a shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 602, for example, theshape-memory alloy actuated fastener shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener602 in the well-system component 108 of FIG. 6 according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the shape-memoryalloy actuated fastener 602 is a C-ring.

The shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 602 can include a body 704. Insome embodiments, the body 704 can include a cylindrical shape. Disposedwithin the body 704 can be a cylindrically-shaped cavity 710, such thatthe end of the body 704 includes a ring shape. In other embodiments, thebody 704 can include another shape, for example a square, triangular,rectangular, or trapezoidal shape. In some embodiments, the body 704 caninclude a cavity, for example, for allowing one or more components tofit through the body 704.

A connector 706 can extend from the end of the body 704. The connector706 can join the cross-sectional end of the body 704 to a locking member708. In some embodiments, the locking member 708 can.include a C-shape.In other embodiments, the locking member 708 can include another shape,for example, a square, ring, circle, triangle, rectangle, or trapezoidshape.

In some embodiments, the entire shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 602can include a shape-memory alloy. In other embodiments, one or moreparts (i.e., components) of the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener602, for example the body 704 or the locking member 708, can include oneor more shape-memory alloys. Further, in some embodiments, theshape-memory alloy actuated fastener 602 may not include the body 704 orthe connector 706. That is, in some embodiments, the shape-memory alloyactuated fastener 602 can only include the locking member 708.

Returning to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, one piece of the shape-memoryalloy actuated fastener 602 (e.g., the body 704) can be coupled to thewell component 606. Another piece of the shape-memory alloy actuatedfastener 602 (e.g., the locking member 708) can interlock with areceiving component 604. When the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener602 is interlocked with the receiving component 604, the receivingcomponent 604 can keep a closure component (e.g., a ball) in thewell-system component 108 of FIG. 6 in a closed position. This can closethe well-system component 108 of FIG. 6, which can prevent or minimizefluid or gas communication through the well-system component 108.

The well-system component 108 of FIG. 6 can also include thetemperature-control device 212 in communication with the power supply214, as described with respect to FIG. 2. An operator can actuate thepower supply 214, which can transmit power to the temperature-controldevice 212. The temperature-control device 212 can heat or cool theshape-memory alloy actuated fastener 602, which can cause theshape-memory alloy actuated fastener 602 to change into another physicalshape, for example, to its high-temperature shape. In some embodiments,the high-temperature shape can include a physical shape in which a pieceof the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 602 (e.g., the lockingmember 708) has radially expanded or increased in diameter. Uponchanging its physical shape, the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener602 can release the well component 606 from the receiving component 604.In some embodiments, this can cause the well component 606 to be able tomove, for example, to a different position (e.g., to the right as viewedin FIG. 6). In some embodiments, pressure, gravity, springs, or othermeans can aid in the well component 606 moving to the differentposition. In some embodiments, when in the different position, the wellcomponent 606 can keep the closure component (not shown) in thewell-system component 108 of FIG. 6 in an open position. This can allowfluid or gas communication through the well-system component 108 of FIG.6.

Further, in some embodiments, multiple shape-memory alloy actuatedfasteners 602 can be used in sequence or in concert. For example,multiple shape-memory alloy actuated fasteners 602 with the sametransition temperature, different transition temperatures, or thatinterlock different combinations of components can be used in sequenceor in concert. For example, in some embodiments, the well-systemcomponent 108 of FIG. 6 can include multiple shape-memory alloy actuatedfasteners 602 actuated by different transition temperatures. Actuatingthe multiple shape-memory alloy actuated fasteners 602 at differenttimes via different transition temperatures can provide greater controlover actuation of the well-system component 108 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a system 800 with a shape-memory alloyactuated fastener according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, the system 800 can include anelectrical component 810. The electrical component 810 can include, forexample, a computer, cellular telephone, resistor, capacitor, inductor,integrated circuit component, power supply, processor, microcontroller,memory, or motor. The electrical component 810 can be coupled to aconductor 802 (e.g., a wire or circuit board trace). The conductor 802can include any suitable conductive material, for example, copper, tin,iron, aluminum, gold, or silver. Another electrical component 810 can becoupled to another conductor 804 (e.g., a wire or circuit board trace).The conductor 804 can include any suitable conductive material, forexample, copper, tin, iron, aluminum, gold, or silver.

In some embodiments, the conductors 802, 804 can be releasably coupledby a shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 806. Further, in someembodiments, the conductors 802, 804 can be conductively coupled by theshape-memory alloy actuated fastener 806. The shape-memory alloyactuated fastener 806 can include a shape-memory alloy that includes anyconductive material, for example, copper. In the example shown in FIG.8, the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 806 includes clasps 808 forreleasably coupling the conductors 802, 804. The clasps 808 can includea shape-memory alloy. In other embodiments, the shape-memory alloyactuated fastener 806 may not include the clasps 808.

In some embodiments, the system 800 can also include atemperature-control device 812. The temperature control device 812 canbe in communication with a power supply 814. In some embodiments, anoperator can actuate the power supply 814, which can transmit power tothe temperature-control device 812. In other embodiments, a processorcan actuate the power supply 814. For example, in some embodiments, thesystem 800 (e.g., the electrical component 810) can include atemperature sensor. The temperature sensor can send signals to aprocessor, which can be positioned within the electrical component 810or elsewhere. The processor can determine, based on the signals from thetemperature sensor, whether a temperature associated with the electricalcomponent 810 or the system 800 has surpassed a threshold. If thethreshold has been surpassed, the processor can operate, for example viathe power supply 814, the temperature-control device 812. Thetemperature-control device 812 can heat or cool the shape-memory alloyactuated fastener 806, which can cause the shape-memory alloy actuatedfastener 806 to change into another physical shape. This can decouple orcouple the conductors 802, 804.

In some embodiments, the system 800 can change temperature independentfrom the temperature-control device 812, for example, as a result ofthermal energy from an electrical circuit or electrical circuitcomponent (e.g., a processor). The changed temperature of the system 800can cause the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 806 to change intoanother physical shape, for example, to its high-temperature shape.

In some embodiments, the high-temperature shape or low-temperature shapecan include a physical shape in which a piece of the shape-memory alloyactuated fastener 806 (e.g., the clasps 808) can move, fold, bend, orexpand. For example, the high-temperature shape can include a shape inwhich the clasps 808 fold more than 90 degrees, as depicted by thearrows, such that the clasps 808 release their grip on the conductor802. Further, in some embodiments, the shape-memory alloy actuatedfastener 806 can bend backwards (i.e., in the direction into the page),releasing the conductor 802 from the conductor 804. In some embodiments,this can sever the electrical connection between the conductors 802,804, preventing electrical communication between the electricalcomponents 810.

In one example, the electrical component 810 coupled to the conductor802 can include a power supply. The electrical component 810 coupled tothe conductor 804 can include a computer. The shape-memory alloyactuated fastener 806 can electrically couple the conductors 802, 804.In some embodiments, if the temperature inside the power supply orcomputer surpasses the transition temperature of the shape-memory alloyactuated fastener 806, the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 806 canchange its physical shape, for example, to its high-temperature shape.This can decouple or release the conductors 802, 804 from one another.Decoupling the conductors 802, 804 can break the electricalcommunication between the power supply and the computer, for example,shutting down the computer or otherwise preventing the overheating ofthe computer. In some embodiments, the system 800 can include anindicator (e.g., a LED or non-electronic indicator) to notify a user,for example, that the decoupling of the electrical component 810 wasintentional. Upon the temperature inside the computer cooling below thetransition temperature of the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 806,the shape-memory alloy actuated fastener 806 can change its physicalshape, for example, to its low-temperature shape. This can couple orinterlock the conductors 802, 804 to each other, which can reestablishelectrical communication between the power supply and the computer.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an example of a process for using ashape-memory alloy actuated fastener according to one embodiment.

In block 902, multiple components are interlocked with a fastener. Thefastener can include a shape-memory alloy. The physical shape of theshape-memory alloy can be selectively changeable between a first shapeand a second shape. In some embodiments, the shape-memory alloy canchange between physical shapes when heated above a transitiontemperature. In other embodiments, the shape-memory alloy can changebetween physical shapes when cooled below a transition temperature.

In block 904, the temperature-control device can heat the fastener abovea transition temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature-controldevice can emit electromagnetic radiation for heating the fastener. Inother embodiments, the temperature-control device can heat the fastenervia thermal conduction. Any number or combination of heating or coolingmethods can be used to heat or cool the fastener.

In block 906, the fastener can change from the first shape into thesecond shape. For example, in some embodiments, the fastener can changefrom its low-temperature shape into its high-temperature shape.

In block 908, the fastener can release two or more of the multiplecomponents from each other. In some embodiments, the fastener canrelease all of the multiple components from each other. In otherembodiments, the fastener can release fewer than all of the multiplecomponents from each other.

In some embodiments, the temperature-control device can cool thefastener below the transition temperature. Further, the fastener canchange from the second shape back into the first shape.

In some aspects, a system for a shape-memory alloy actuated fastener isprovided according to one or more of the following examples.

Example #1

An assembly can include a fastener deployable in a wellbore. Thefastener can include a shape-memory alloy for releaseably interlockingmultiple components deployable in the wellbore. The physical shape ofthe shape-memory alloy can be selectively changeable between a firstshape and a second shape.

Example #2

The assembly of Example #1 may feature the fastener including multipleshape-memory alloys. Each of the multiple shape-memory alloys can have adifferent transition temperature.

Example #3

The assembly of any of Examples #1-2 may feature the fastener that is acollet latch or a C-latch.

Example #4

The assembly of any of Examples #1-3 may feature the shape-memory alloycausing the fastener to releaseably interlock the multiple components.

Example #5

The assembly of any of Examples #1-4 may feature the shape-memory alloyreleasably interlocking the plurality of components. The first shape canbe configurable for interlocking the plurality of components and thesecond shape can be configurable for releasing the plurality ofcomponents.

Example #6

The assembly of any of Examples #1-5 may feature the physical shape ofthe shape-memory alloy being changeable between the first shape and thesecond shape by heating or cooling the shape-memory alloy.

Example #7

The assembly of any of Examples #1-6 may feature a temperature-controldevice for heating or cooling the shape-memory alloy.

Example #8

The assembly of any of Examples #1-7 may feature the a valve deployablein the wellbore. The fastener can be usable with the valve in thewellbore. The valve can include a receiving component to which thefastener can be releaseably coupled. The receiving component can bemoveable to open or close the valve.

Example #9

The assembly of any of Examples #1-8 may feature the valve being anisolation barrier valve. The valve can also include an indexing mandrelfor opening the valve.

Example #10

A system can include a fastener. The fastener can include a shape-memoryalloy for releasably interlocking multiple components deployable in awellbore. The physical shape of the shape-memory alloy can beselectively changeable between (i) a first shape configurable forinterlocking the multiple components and (ii) a second shapeconfigurable for releasing the multiple components. The system can alsoinclude a temperature control device for heating or cooling theshape-memory alloy to change the shape-memory alloy between the firstshape and the second shape.

Example #11

The system of Example #10 may feature a power source for operating thetemperature-control device.

Example #12

The system of any of Examples #10-11 may feature the fastener includingmultiple shape-memory alloys. Each of the multiple shape-memory alloyscan have a different transition temperature.

Example #13

The system of any of Examples #10-12 may feature the fastener includinga collet latch or a C-latch.

Example #14

The system of any of Examples #10-13 may feature the shape-memory alloycausing the fastener to releaseably interlock the multiple components.

Example #15

The system of any of Examples #10-14 may feature a valve deployable in awellbore. The fastener can be usable with the valve in the wellbore. Thevalve can include a receiving component to which the fastener can bereleaseably coupled. The receiving component can be moveable to open orclose the valve.

Example #16

The system of any of Examples #10-15 may feature the valve being anisolation barrier valve. The valve can also include an indexing mandrelfor opening the valve.

Example #17

A method can include interlocking multiple components deployed in awellbore with a fastener that can include a shape-memory alloy. Thephysical shape of the shape-memory alloy can be selectively changeablebetween a first shape and a second shape. The method can also includeheating the fastener, by a temperature-control device, above atransition temperature. The method can further include changing thefastener from the first shape to the second shape. Finally, the methodcan include releasing the multiple components from one another.

Example #18

The method of Example #17 may feature heating the fastener by thetemperature-control device responsive to the temperature-control devicereceiving a power from a power source positioned in a wellbore.

Example #19

The method of any of Examples #17-18 may feature cooling the fastener,by the temperature-control device, below the transition temperature. Theshape-memory alloy can change from the second shape to the first shape.

Example #20

The method of any of Examples #17-19 may feature moving at least one ofthe multiple components to open the valve in the wellbore.

The foregoing description of certain embodiments, including illustratedembodiments, has been presented only for the purpose of illustration anddescription and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications,adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in theart without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

1. (canceled)
 2. A system comprising: a first electrical component; asecond electrical component that is separate from the first electricalcomponent; and a fastener comprising a shape-memory alloy that isselectively changeable between (i) a first physical shape for generatinga conductive coupling between the first electrical component and thesecond electrical component, and (ii) a second physical shape forsevering the conductive coupling between the first electrical componentand the second electrical component.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereinthe first electrical component is electrically coupled to a firstconductor, the second electrical component is electrically coupled to asecond conductor, and the fastener is positioned to generate theconductive coupling between the first conductor and the secondconductor.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first conductor is atleast one of a wire or a circuit-board trace, and the second conductoris at least one of a wire or a circuit-board trace.
 5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the first electrical component includes a computer or acellular telephone.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the firstelectrical component includes a resistor, a capacitor, an inductor, anintegrated circuit component, a power supply, a processor, amicrocontroller, a memory, or a motor.
 7. The system of claim 2, furthercomprising: a temperature-control device configured to apply thermalenergy to the fastener to cause the shape-memory alloy to switch betweenthe first physical shape and the second physical shape.
 8. The system ofclaim 7, further comprising: a temperature sensor configured to detect atemperature of the first electrical component and transmit a sensorsignal that is indicative of the temperature; a processorcommunicatively coupled to the temperature sensor and thetemperature-control device; and a memory including instructions that areexecutable by the processor for causing the processor to: receive thesensor signal from the temperature sensor; determine that thetemperature of the first electrical component exceeds a threshold basedon the sensor signal; and in response to determining that thetemperature exceeds the threshold, operate the temperature-controldevice to cause the shape-memory alloy to switch between the firstphysical shape and the second physical shape.
 9. The system of claim 2,wherein the fastener comprises a clasp that is changeable between (i) aclasped state in which the clasp is positioned to affix the fasteneragainst a conductor for generating the conductive coupling, and (ii) anunclasped state in which the clasp is positioned to enable the fastenerto release from the conductor and thereby sever the conductive coupling.10. The system of claim 9, wherein the clasp comprises the shape-memoryalloy and is configured to switch between the clasped state and theunclasped state in response to thermal energy being applied to theshape-memory alloy.
 11. The system of claim 2, wherein the firstelectrical component is a power supply and the second electricalcomponent is a computer.
 12. A system comprising: a first electricalcomponent electrically coupled to a first conductor; a second electricalcomponent electrically coupled to a second conductor that is separatefrom the first conductor; and a fastener positioned between the firstconductor and the second conductor, the fastener comprising ashape-memory alloy that is selectively changeable between (i) a firstphysical shape for generating a conductive coupling between the firstconductor and the second conductor, and (ii) a second physical shape forsevering the conductive coupling between the first conductor and thesecond conductor.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the firstconductor includes a circuit-board trace and the second conductorincludes a circuit-board trace.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein thefirst electrical component includes a processor, a microcontroller, amemory, or a motor positioned in a well tool for use in a wellbore. 15.The system of claim 12, further comprising: a temperature sensorconfigured to detect a temperature of the first electrical component orthe second electrical component and transmit a sensor signal that isindicative of the temperature; a temperature-control device configuredto apply thermal energy to the fastener to cause the shape-memory alloyto switch between the first physical shape and the second physicalshape; a power supply configured to control the temperature-controldevice; a processor communicatively coupled to the temperature sensorand the power supply; and a memory including instructions that areexecutable by the processor for causing the processor to: receive thesensor signal from the temperature sensor; determine that thetemperature of the first electrical component or the second electricalcomponent exceeds a threshold based on the sensor signal; and inresponse to determining that the temperature exceeds the threshold,operate the power supply to cause the shape-memory alloy to switchbetween the first physical shape and the second physical shape.
 16. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the fastener comprises a clasp that ischangeable between (i) a clasped state in which the clasp is positionedto affix the fastener against a conductor for generating the conductivecoupling, and (ii) an unclasped state in which the clasp is positionedto enable the fastener to release from the conductor and thereby severthe conductive coupling.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the claspcomprises the shape-memory alloy and is configured to switch between theclasped state and the unclasped state in response to thermal energybeing applied to the shape-memory alloy.
 18. A method comprising:generating, by a fastener, a conductive coupling between a firstelectrical component and a second electrical component; applying thermalenergy, by a temperature-control device, to a shape-memory alloy in thefastener; and in response to the thermal energy, changing, by thefastener, from (i) a first physical shape in which the first electricalcomponent is conductively coupled to the second electrical component, to(ii) a second physical shape in which the conductive coupling is severedbetween the first electrical component and the second electricalcomponent.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: changing, bythe fastener, from the second physical shape to the first physical shapein response to a change in the thermal energy being applied to thefastener to re-establish the conductive coupling between the firstelectrical component and the second electrical component.
 20. The methodof claim 18, further comprising: receiving, by a processor, a sensorsignal from a temperature sensor; determining, by the processor andbased on the sensor signal, that a temperature of the first electricalcomponent or the second electrical component exceeds a threshold; and inresponse to determining that the temperature exceeds the threshold,operating, by the processor, a power supply to cause the shape-memoryalloy to switch between the first physical shape and the second physicalshape.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein changing from the firstphysical shape to the second physical shape comprises: bending, by aclasp coupled to the fastener, from a clasped state into an unclaspedstate in response to the thermal energy stimulating at least a portionof the shape-memory alloy; and after the clasp at least partially bendsfrom the clasped state into the unclasped state, bending, by a base ofthe fastener, from the first physical shape to the second physicalshape.